CoreLife Eatery, Balance Grill,  I Love Bacon leaders on crazy vs innovative

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

These were all successful restaurant ideas that were once considered just a little bit crazy, according to a panel of restaurant leaders, who shared some of…

'Tis the season for LTOs

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The holiday season, for many, means decorating, shopping and wrapping gifts, but for people working in the fast casual industry 'tis the season of the LTO.

Chuck E. Cheese 'schools' fast casuals on appealing to millennials

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Chuck E Cheese feels like a safe place for my family, and that's saying a lot these days.

Buffalo Wild Wings upgrades online experience

November 15, 2017

Buffalo Wild Wings has unveiled a website that makes it easier for wing-lovers to see, find and order their favorite Buffalo Wild Wings menu items, according…

How digital signage can boost customer dwell time at restaurants

by Richard Ventura — VP Business Development, NEC Display Solutions

Use of digital signage in the restaurant space has been growing exponentially as operators realize the flexibility, marketing and branding opportunities it…

Restaurants honoring vets with freebies

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A variety of restaurant brands are thanking vets for their service with free meals.

Study: 'It's time to develop marketing strategies to hook Gen Z'

November 3, 2017

To reach today's student generation, referred to as Gen Z, foodservice providers need a marketing strategy tailored to that audience. 

Smashburger hoping to drive holiday sales with 'Smash Pass'

October 31, 2017

Smashburger is trying a little something different this holiday season, giving fans the chance to purchase a Holiday Smash Pass for $54. The pass, available…

Millennials: 'Give us big discounts, cut the small talk'

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

One of the more eye-opening sessions at this Fast Casual Executive Summit in Nashville this month was a quick, question-filled hour-long chat with a varied…

Buffalo Wild Wings snipes partnership with Call of Duty

October 24, 2017

Buffalo Wild Wings has partnered with video game publisher Activision to promote the launch of its game Call of Duty WWII on Nov 3. From Oct. 24 to Nov. 30…

Former Tender Greens, Taco Bell VP fills CMO role at Blaze

September 29, 2017

Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza has hired a former Taco Bell and Tender Greens exec as its CMO. Shivram Vaideeswaran will be responsible for defining the brand voice…

Some fast casuals still pumped for pumpkin, others heating things up: part 2

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While some fall LTOs are heavy on pumpkin-flavored everything, others include big, bold and spicy flavors inspired by Asian, Hispanic and African dishes.

Whataburger launches unique Snapchat charity-focused contest

September 12, 2017

Whataburger fans can hit Snapchat for a chance to win 1,000 Taquitos, $1,000 for the charity of their choice as well the opportunity to "take over" the brand's…

Schlotzsky's marks 6-year anniversary of supporting Type 1 diabetes research

September 12, 2017

Schlotzsky's is nearing its $1 million donation mark for juvenile diabetes research and now plans to run a "Give $1, Get $1" promotion to push things over the…

McAlister's, Moe's, Schlotzsky's VP: 'How fast casuals can win in college markets'

he college market demographic is a prime testing ground to perfect what consumers need and want

Newk's to raise $100K toward diagnosis, treatment of ovarian cancer

September 8, 2017

Newk's Eatery is calling on partners and patrons across its 115 restaurants to "Join the Fight" against ovarian cancer. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness…

How 1 day of free shakes led to a 17% sales bump for Wayback Burgers

September 6, 2017

Giving away shakes on the first day of summer proved a good investment for Wayback Burgers. The 136-unit burger joint reported a 17.22 percent increase in…

Teriyaki Madness challenge to customers: #Don'tBeAChicken

August 30, 2017

Teriyaki Madness is launching a social media campaign to reward customers who conquer their fears. In celebration of National Chicken Month, the chain's…

Business intelligence platform offers restaurants analytics to influence customer behavior in real time

August 23, 2017

Bloom Intelligence offers advanced tracking metrics for the hospitality industry to attract, engage and retain customers through its cloud-based business…

Salata names CMO

August 23, 2017

Salata has named Michelle Bythewood as its chief marketing officer. The 27-year veteran of restaurant marketing will lead brand management and strategy…